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Q&A: Focusing on the "5-technique" defensive end

Welcome back. I will try to answer some questions during the NFL draft season as I continue to prepare for our coverage of the April 22-24 draft.

Today's questions come from Jim Burnett.

Q: What are the responsibilities of the "5-technique" defensive end? And how are they different from the other defensive end in the 3-4?

A: Jim, it depends on the defense. And like a 4-3 defense, there are plenty of variations of the 3-4 defense as well with divergent philosophies and objectives. The Steelers' 3-4 defense, for example, is different from the Patriots' 3-4 defense.

The Broncos' 3-4 most closely resembles the Patriots' 3-4. The defensive linemen don't attack upfield as much, and they are more power-first players who engage the blockers in front of them.

In that kind of 3-4, a "5-technique" defensive end usually lines up directly over the offensive tackle in a running situation. This essentially makes him a two-gap player — to the inside shoulder of the tackle and to the outside shoulder of the tackle.

The defensive end is supposed to engage the tackle, read the play, shed the blocker and try to stop the play. He is supposed to hold the point of attack and control the line of scrimmage.

In many 3-4 defenses, both ends play a 5-technique, with the nose tackle directly over the center — or zero technique — in the base, early-down look.

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A prototypical 5-technique end would look a lot like Richard Seymour, who was with the Patriots when Broncos coach Josh McDaniels was on the staff there. Seymour, 6-feet-6, had the reach to deal with the tackles across from him. And at 310 pounds, he also played with enough power to hold the edge.

A prototypical 5-technique end has enough quickness to get upfield while maintaining the discipline required with two-gap responsibility. One-gap players usually can penetrate and chase upfield. Two-gap players often have to surrender their statistics for the defensive philosophy as a whole.

The right defensive end, lined up across from the offensive left tackle, usually is the better pass rusher of the two ends. The left defensive end, lined up across from the offensive right tackle, usually is a better power player (to deal with the more power-oriented right tackles).

Defensive end, like nose tackle, is a selfless D-line position that requires strength, athleticism and discipline to play. Basically, you're looking for very talented players who play without ego.

They are difficult to find, but the defense can't be played without them. It's why Bill Belichick, one of the NFL's leading practitioners of the defense, used three No. 1 draft picks for his three defensive line positions during the Patriots' run to the Super Bowls.

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